This Professional Skier-Turned-Entrepreneur Raised $250 Million To Build A Gated Luxury Golf And Lifestyle Club

Dominik Senn’s story is one of reinvention and relentless ambition. Born in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1967, Dominik began his career as a competitive skier at just 16 years old. His experiences on the slopes defined his youth and laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit.

Today, Dominik is the visionary behind Panther National, a groundbreaking luxury lifestyle and golf community in Florida. His journey from athlete to entrepreneur is an inspiring testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and resilience.

Listen to the full podcast episode and review the transcript here.

From the Slopes to Sports Management

Dominik’s skiing career gave him invaluable insights into the world of sports. “I’m very competitive and hardworking,” he says, “I like to win, and I’m disciplined.” These qualities fueled his decision to launch a management company in 1995 to represent himself and other athletes.

As Dominik recalls, he was patient, tenacious, and determined to become an entrepreneur. What started as a personal venture evolved into a global sports marketing agency by 2001. Dominik’s journey was marked by strategic moves, including partnerships with major players like IMG.

He also secured landmark deals such as securing hockey rights in Switzerland for $70M and managing tennis icon Roger Federer.

Dominik was very good in his studies in high school and studied public relations and advertising while competing as a professional skier. His competitive edge and determination enabled him to navigate challenges and build a thriving business representing athletes in skiing, hockey, and golf.

“I saw gaps in representation,” Dominik explains. “I believed I could do better, and I did.” As he recalls, his goal was to become one of the most influential sports agents, but he ended up starting a global sports management agency.

A Passion for Golf and a New Vision

Dominik’s entrepreneurial journey took a new turn in 2006 when he combined his passion for golf with his business acumen. Initially moving the golf division of his agency to London, he eventually settled in Jupiter, Florida, in 2013.

Dominik reasoned that all top players originated in Europe and played in the USA on the PGA Tour because that’s where the money was. Since he was traveling between Switzerland and Florida, he decided to rent a home in Florida, eventually moving with his family in 2013.

Here, Dominik identified a significant gap in the market. Most clubhouses were dated, and many younger golfers expressed dissatisfaction with the golf courses, which were flat and surrounded by houses, though the weather was perfect.

While Florida’s wealth and tax benefits attracted affluent residents, the state’s golf communities lacked modernity and innovation. Dominik envisioned a transformative lifestyle community that blended European elegance with American luxury.

This vision became Panther National, a gated Golf and Lifestyle Club designed to redefine how people live, work, and play.

The Panther National Business Model

Dominik’s “professional dreamer” mindset propelled him to develop a business model that matched his lifestyle and interests. He quickly realized that he would need financing to build one of the best golf courses in the world.

To achieve his goals, Dominik devised a plan to build a combined residential real estate with world-class amenities, including gyms, Zoom lounges, Michelin-inspired dining, and an iconic wine lounge inspired by Switzerland’s Matterhorn Mountains.

Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

The journey to build Panther National was not without its challenges. Skeptics doubted Dominik’s ability to succeed in real estate development, a field in which he had no prior experience. “People told me not to do it,” he recalls. “The more they said that, the more determined I became.”

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic initially posed a significant threat since Dominik had already purchased the land. However, the pandemic’s impact on lifestyle preferences—with people seeking outdoor activities and remote work environments—turned out to be a blessing.

Golf experienced a resurgence, and Florida’s appeal as a tax-friendly, outdoor-centric destination soared. Dominik and his team raised around $250M through a combination of equity and debt to finance Panther National.

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“At first, it was all European money,” Dominik notes. “Eventually, we attracted two German investors and American lenders who believed in our vision.”

Dominik credits his business partner, Michael Lauper, for creating the financial framework that brought the project to life. Michael Laupper is, in his opinion, the brain behind the project.

Dominik recalls how the duo went on a roadshow and connected with Faisal Ashraf from Lotus Capital in Miami, who helped them find loans since their project was leveraged.

In the initial stages, sourcing equity capital was highly challenging because the concept had never been explored before.

Talking about his vision for Panthera National, Dominik would like to see a world where any guests or members entering the community see a beautiful lifestyle world opening up, complete with the full range of amenities for leisure and conducting business.

Building a Culture of Excellence

Today, Panther National boasts 120 employees and embodies Dominik’s leadership philosophy: trust and autonomy. “I give my team freedom and space to execute their ideas and achieve the goals I set for them,” he explains. “But if trust is broken, I’m decisive.”

Dominik’s approach fosters innovation and accountability, creating a culture that aligns with his vision of excellence. He believes in motivating employees, giving them the instruments to do their jobs, and the belief that they can achieve their goals.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Dominik’s entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons. “Invest in professional advice early,” he advises. “Sometimes trying to save money on expertise can cost more in the long run.”

He also emphasizes the importance of dreaming big. “If you know too much at the start, the hurdles might stop you from beginning. Start naively, but be a quick learner.”

Dominik’s success is also a testament to the cultural differences he has experienced between Europe and the U.S. He explains that the US is the place to be in terms of entrepreneurship, building a company, or transforming a dream into reality.

“Americans are more open to new ideas, thinking out of the box, and are less focused on pedigree,” he observes. “In Switzerland, skepticism can be a barrier. In the U.S., they look at your education, success stories, and potential to succeed.”

The Future of Panther National

Panther National represents the culmination of Dominik Senn’s career—a blend of his passions, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. The community is more than a place to live; it’s a lifestyle hub that offers an unparalleled experience.

From state-of-the-art facilities to a vibrant social scene, Panther National is poised to set a new standard for luxury living. Dominik’s story is a powerful reminder that dreams can lead to extraordinary outcomes when pursued with determination and adaptability.

Whether on the slopes or in the boardroom, his competitive spirit continues to drive him forward, inspiring others to dream boldly and act decisively.

Listen to the full podcast episode to know more, including:

• Dominik Senn transitioned from professional skiing to entrepreneurship, building a global sports management agency representing icons like Roger Federer.
• Identifying gaps in Florida’s golf communities, Dominik envisioned Panther National, blending European elegance with American luxury.
• Despite no real estate experience, Dominik raised $250M through equity and debt, navigating skepticism and leveraging his vision.
• The COVID-19 pandemic, initially a challenge, became an opportunity as demand for outdoor and remote-work-friendly lifestyles surged.
• Panther National combines world-class golf facilities with luxury amenities, setting a new standard for gated lifestyle communities.
• Dominik’s leadership philosophy emphasizes trust, autonomy, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
• His journey highlights the value of dreaming big, embracing risk, and learning quickly, with the U.S. offering fertile ground for entrepreneurial ambitions.

 

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